U.S. House of Representatives Seeks to Address Water Crisis

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA),  legislation that includes 11 provisions to address the Puerto Rico water crisis, strengthen critical infrastructure, and protect communities vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion in the U.S. territory.

The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

“We are taking concrete steps to address the basics. Puerto Rico needs a functioning water infrastructure system and communities better protected against floods and storms,” said Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández. “These 11 priorities were presented by our office, included in the project, and are not automatic allocations. It is an achievement we are very proud of.”

The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to advance projects and studies related to water infrastructure, flood control, and coastal protection. Projects requiring funding are not guaranteed as they will subsequently need to go through the Congressional appropriations process.

The 11 priorities that the Resident Commissioner set for Puerto Rico in the House bill include:

1. More resources for water infrastructure in Puerto Rico: The bill increases the federal authorization available to support drinking water and sewerage projects from $35 million to $75 million.
2. Humacao: Includes the Antón Ruiz River and its dikes to develop improvements that reduce flooding and protect Río Verde Mar, Punta Santiago and nearby communities.
3. Corozal: Authorizes $10 million to improve water and sewer systems, including community aqueducts that serve families with limited access to water.
4. Vega Baja: Authorizes a study of the Puerto Nuevo Lagoon, or Quintín Valle Lagoon, to evaluate dredging and other solutions against flooding.
5. Loíza: Authorizes a study to combat coastal erosion, reduce storm surge damage, and protect homes and communities near the coast.
6. Ceiba: It allows the study of solutions to protect the coast and communities from storms, floods and erosion.
7. Yabucoa: Authorizes a study to reduce storm surge damage and strengthen the protection of coastal communities.
8. Río Puerto Nuevo: Includes language to conduct new impact studies that address the concerns of surrounding communities.
9. Naguabo: Authorizes a study to protect the coast, reduce erosion and decrease risks to communities during atmospheric events.
10. Fajardo: Allows for the evaluation of projects to protect homes, infrastructure, and natural resources from erosion and coastal storms.
11. Puerto Rico’s access to a federal coastal and riverine protection program: The project expressly adds Puerto Rico to the Shoreline and Riverine Protection Program , allowing the island to be considered for future studies and projects aimed at reducing damage from floods, hurricanes, and storms.